The Biden administration has taken a significant shift in handling China’s policies, deviating from the expected norm following the Trump era. Trump’s campaign promise to contain the rise of China led to tariffs, primarily targeting unfair trade practices such as dumping cheap products, hindering market access, and intellectual property theft. Instead of reversing these policies, Biden has intensified them, highlighting the broader philosophical and political aspect.
The decision to maintain tariffs and impose export controls on high-tech products like semiconductors marked an escalation in the US-China relations under Biden. Despite criticism of the tariffs impacting the US economy, Biden kept them in place, considering the political ramifications of removing them. By involving allies in containing China, Biden created a robust front against Beijing’s ambitions, particularly in Asia.
The recent chip embargo imposed by Biden aims to restrict the sale of advanced chips designed by US companies to China. While the embargo seeks to maintain US technological superiority, it has spurred China to invest heavily in domestic chip production, bridging the gap with the US. Notably, Beijing’s commitment to invest $250 billion over a decade suggests that the embargo may inadvertently enhance China’s self-sufficiency in chip manufacturing.
As the US-China dynamic evolves, the question of Beijing’s preference for Trump or Biden in the White House emerges. While China may prefer continuity with Biden for predictability, potential trade curbs could intensify in a second Biden term. On the flip side, a Trump victory might offer a more stable platform for US-China relations based on common ground. However, a re-elected Biden administration may push for more restrictions if China’s actions related to Taiwan or Russia threaten US interests.
In conclusion, the US-China relationship navigates a complex landscape influenced by economic, military, and geopolitical factors. While Biden’s approach signifies a shift in US policy towards China, the future trajectory hinges on the interplay of domestic, regional, and global dynamics. As both nations strive to safeguard their interests, the strategic calculus continues to shape the contours of US-China relations in the foreseeable future.
